Sunday was another great day! We welcomed Gerald (Jerry) and Pam Rouleau in the 8:30 service. Jerry comes on profession of faith and Pam upon promise of her church letter. Then, in the 11:00 service we welcomed Mia Miltier on profession of faith. I am so proud of the decisions of each of these and so in awe of how God continues to work! Please seek an opportunity to let them know how happy you are to have them in the family!

 

This coming Sunday we have the RARE opportunity to acknowledge the 10^th anniversary of Brad Replogle on the ministerial staff. I say rare, because in the almost 90-year history of our church, there has only been 1 other staff member who has served here more consecutive years (John Brock – 13 years). Brad came here as Minister of Education, and then he was called upon to serve as the Minister of Music upon the retirement of Marty Stone, about 7½ years ago. For several months before I arrived, Brad was the only full time minister on staff. He has walked with this church through some difficult days, and he has helped lead us through some of the best days in the history of this church. God has blessed him with one of the best singing voices you will find on a church staff of any size. He has brought some of the biggest names in Southern Gospel to RPBC, and he has led some of the most memorable VBS’s with Hollywood-quality backdrops and elaborate costumes. He leads our Senior Adult ministry, organized our Facebook Prayer Requests ministry, has taught Sunday School, led our children’s Bible Drill during COVID, led our security team during the time of the director’s surgery and recovery, has organized and led some of the most memorable fellowships in the life of this church (who can forget Hee Haw, the Grand Ole Opry, the football tailgate, and Groups from the 50’s?!), and so much more – AND he has done all of this while keeping us laughing! In addition, this year also marks the 5^th anniversary of Lori Replogle as our Children’s Director. Lori’s work doesn’t always receive attention, but she has quietly organized and directs a strong children’s ministry that would make any church proud. She has led the effort to remodel, clean up, paint, decorate, and modernize the entire children’s wing. In doing so, she converted rooms that had been previously dedicated to the Academy into usable children’s Sunday School space. She has worked tirelessly to establish and maintain a quality program with a tremendous staff of volunteer workers. During this time she furthered her own education and training in Children’s Ministry while organizing children’s camps and an assortment of events and activities that have contributed to the salvation and discipleship of our children. And, she has done all of this while raising 2 wonderful girls AND Brad! If you have not done so, I want to encourage you to donate toward a love gift that will show them our love and appreciation. Just as importantly, I ask that you take the time to make out a personal card or note, letting them know how much their dedication and ministries have meant to you and our church.

 

Our youth pulled out of the parking lot here at 5:00am Monday and arrived safely on the Union University campus in Jackson, Tennessee late Monday afternoon. Rhys reports that they are settled in and looking forward to a spirit-filled week of worship, Bible study, fun-filled activities, and sleeplessness! Please pray for Rhys, the chaperones, and our youth as we look forward to their report of all that God does through this experience.

 

Currently, the total donations and pledges for constructing our gym stand at $836,161. This leaves us $113,839 away from breaking ground! Hopefully, it won’t be long now! Thank you to everyone who has given so faithfully.